Teen Summit

The whole group

There was a Teen Summit held recently at the Chester Fine Arts Center on 7^th Street. The Teen Summit was sponsored by the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, inc. XI Chapter. Leola Williams, chapter member, was chairperson for the project. The theme was Inner City Architects: Young People Building the City of their Dreams. The purpose was to give our youth and opportunity to discuss current issues that impact upon their lives. The summit provided a platform for showcasing the talents of our youth in a positive atmosphere.

One of the 5 groups brain storming ideas

Nearly 60 students came from area schools including Chester High, Allied Health, Columbus, Concord, CCCS, and more to participate in the summit. Students who represented their schools were able to get credit for their participation. After a general meeting of open discussion, students met in 4 different groups and one parent group to come up with ideas for improving their city. Once the groups were done, they reported their ideas out to everyone.

Chester High School Senior Keyonna Morton reporting her group's ideas to improve Chester

Here are some of the ideas that came out of the groups:

Movie Theater in Chester

After School help for Tutoring & Mentoring

Malls with popular stores for Chester

Bowling for Chester

Rec. Center with laser tag, game arcade, go carts

Amusement/Water Parks

High tech Schools

Need to Show positive things that go on in Chester in the Newspaper not just in Chester Spirit (I did not make that up but it made me smile)

More Libraries

More activities in Chester

More Clubs for Teens & Youth

Clean Streets

No Abandon Buildings

Concerts on the weekend

More Jobs

Community Centers

Have graduation at the Soccer Stadium

More Summits

Get Homeless people off the streets

Get rid of Liquor Stores

Animal Shelter

More Restaurants & Businesses

Put money in programs & education before someone get to prison

Parent Group reporting their ideas

I thought the summit was a great idea. Really great ideas came out of the groups. Having students participate for school credit was a good ideas for students who really needed that extra help to make them successful. They shared their ideas and vocalized their opinions. The Teen Summit was a wonderful experience for students.